Acetaminophen overdose

Definition

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a pain medicine. Acetaminophen overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings worldwide. People often think that this medicine is very safe. However, it may be deadly if taken in large doses.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or 1-800-222-1222 for a local poison control center near you.

Alternative Names

Tylenol overdose; Paracetamol overdose

Where Found

Acetaminophen is found in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers.

Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen. Other medicines that contain acatominophen include:

Anacin-3

Liquiprin

Panadol

Percocet

Tempra

Various cold and flu medicines

Note: This list is not all inclusive.

Common dosage forms and strengths:

Suppository: 120 mg*, 125 mg, 325 mg, 650 mg

Chewable tablets: 80 mg

Junior tablets: 160 mg

Regular strength: 325 mg

Extra strength: 500 mg

Liquid: 160 mg/teaspoon

Drops: 100 mg/mL, 120 mg/2.5 mL

*mg = milligrams

You should not take more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen a day. Taking more, especially 7000 mg or more, can lead to a severe overdose if not treated.

Symptoms

Note: Symptoms may not occur until 12 or more hours after the acetaminophen was swallowed.

Home Treatment

There is no home treatment. Seek immediate medical help.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition

Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)

Time it was swallowed

Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a local poison control center. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.This is a free and confidential service.

All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood tests will be done to check how much acetaminophen is in the blood. The patient may receive:

Medicines to treat symptoms

Activated charcoal

Laxative

Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison

Expectations (prognosis)

If treatment is received within 8 hours of the overdose, there is a very good chance of recovery.

However, without rapid treatment, a very large overdose of acetaminophen can lead to liver failure and death in a few days.